Section 2 Summary

Morning brings the White family a bright sun, dispelling all their apprehensions and foolishness about the previous night. Mr. White reminds the family that the sergeant-major told them that when a wish is granted, things seem to unfold naturally, as though it were all part of some grand scheme. Herbert even jokes with his parents regarding their imagined newfound wealth. Mrs. White sees the possibility of anyone's desires being granted as ludicrous, yet a knock sends her rushing to the door, only to accept a bill.

After Herbert leaves for work, another visitor comes to the White household, a man tentatively hanging around their gate. The man is well-dressed and seems uncomfortable in their home. The visitor is from Maw and Meggins, the company where their son works. The man tells the parents that their son is "'Badly hurt,' he said, quietly...